That revelation instantly caught everyone's attention, igniting a collective curiosity about how Atlas had learned this 'secret'.To the gathered crowd, Atlas seemed almost supernatural, possessing an uncanny ability to uncover hidden truths. How did he seem to know everything?With a subtle smirk, Atlas calmly began to unravel the mystery. "Although my grandpa had a DNA test done to confirm that you were his daughter, the blood used for that test belonged to my father.”Atlas disdainfully remarked, “How cunning! Adeline had already bribed the doctors and nurses long before your birth. Of course, she paid the hefty sum to cover up the true identity of her illegitimate child's father, Kevin, the head of the Ellis family."But fate works in mysterious ways. Kevin overlooked one crucial detail. Thanks to the 'secret' you created, one of the doctors and nurses had a love affair."You inadvertently provided me with the clue, Celine. A simple investigation revealed the doctor and the nu
"But our accounts need to be sorted!" Atlas's face displayed an undeniable determination.The others immediately showed signs of retreat, their faces filled with fear and resignation.Everyone present knew how ruthless Atlas could be. Even if they didn't, they were witnessing it firsthand today.Although the atmosphere in the hall seemed less tense now, everyone feared what Atlas would do next.Every glance from him sent a chill down their spines, and they all felt a desire to flee. However, with the current situation, none of them could leave.This meant that as long as they stayed here, there was always the risk of being targeted by this tyrant. After all, all of them had been too eager for success in the business world.They couldn't help but resent today's instigator, Celine. Celine orchestrated this for their amusement, but now it felt like they had walked into a trap of their own making.Each of them secretly vowed that if they made it out of there, they would turn over a
The crowd gasped, turning their heads toward the door."Move!"With a stern command, everyone scattered in fear. As our eyes followed the direction of the sound, we saw Kenzie dragging someone inside at gunpoint.I exclaimed, "Uncle Kenny!"Atlas quickly rose, grabbing my hand to stop me. "Chloe."I glared at Kenzie, demanding, "Let him go!"Kenzie smirked sinisterly, her venomous gaze locking onto me. Through clenched teeth, she sneered, "Looks like I got the right person.”"You're despicable, using an old man as a shield!" I stared at Uncle Kenny, noticing blood trickling from his mouth. Clearly, he had been beaten."Release Celine or I'll kill him," Kenzie threatened.Atlas shielded me in his arms, then coldly looked at the trembling Uncle Kenny in her grip, his eyes icy. "Kenzie..."Uncle Kenny strained to look toward us with determination in his eyes. "Mr. Atlas, don't worry about me. Catch them! They're all scum!"Before Uncle Kenny could finish speaking, Kenzie struck
My heart raced as I rushed forward, my main concern being Uncle Kenny's safety.In the next instant, I witnessed a sudden burst of blood from Kenzie's wrist. She instinctively let go of Uncle Kenny, dropping the gun, and clutched her injured wrist. With a sinister smile, she quickly fled into a waiting car, which sped away with an unusual engine sound.Outside, we stood frozen in disbelief at what had just unfolded.I held Atlas tightly around his waist, seeking comfort."Don't be afraid," he assured me.It dawned on me that Kenzie had been shot in the wrist, likely with a silencer.The hall fell into a chilling silence.Atlas and I quickly made our way to the door, where someone was already helping Uncle Kenny up."Uncle Kenny, are you alright?" I asked anxiously, checking his wound.Tears streamed down Uncle Kenny's face as he looked up at Atlas. "Mr. Atlas, you shouldn't have let that evil woman go."Atlas grasped his hand firmly, whispering, "She still has value to us. Sh
"After all, the involvement of both families is extensive. If we strike, it must be a fatal blow, and there is no room for mercy. Once the others see the Ellis and Burnett families in trouble, they'll be left leaderless. To protect ourselves, we mustn't hesitate.""Are we just using them to warn the others?” I looked at Atlas somewhat skeptically. "So soon?""Yes, Johnny was also one of the masterminds behind the plane crash all those years ago. He’s the strategist in their group." Atlas explained to me. "Releasing Celine was to draw out the true leader of the non-organization.""Don't we already know who he is?" I asked, puzzled.Atlas shook his head. "His information has been sent to me. After studying it, I realized his influence isn't very wide yet. There must be a hidden mastermind behind him.""Another mastermind?" I was surprised."Yes." Atlas's expression was unusually serious as he answered."Why did you suddenly decide to deal with Celine today?" I asked him."After I
"Once Dylan came in, he disappeared," Atlas said with a casual smile."He knows Dylan?""Yes, and he's had a confrontation with him. Among these people, he's only familiar with Dylan. I think he might have thought nobody here recognized him," Atlas speculated."But for now, we can't move against him. Since he's so close to Celine, it indicates that there's some kind of conspiracy between them, with a definite purpose behind it," I said, feeling a bit uneasy upon hearing Atlas's explanation.If he was Navi's strategist and showed up at Celine's mansion after Navi's death, there must be something fishy going on."It seems this guy is really something." I couldn't help but comment."We haven't confirmed anything yet. But when I saw him in the hall, I knew the imposter still had some value," Atlas assured me confidently. “So I decided to reclaim the Pierce mansion today, which caught them off guard.""Honey, you're so brave and decisive!" I praised him generously. "Especially when y
Atlas noticed my determined gaze and gently rubbed my head."Don't be in such a rush. I'll tell you all about it slowly," he said with a smile, brushing it off."I just want to listen to this part," I insisted stubbornly.He chuckled and pointed outside the window.I glanced outside and realized we were already back at the estate."Let's go inside first, take care of Kenny's wounds, and fill your stomach. I can't let my little darlings go hungry," Atlas said indulgently.I chuckled too, teasingly saying, "I am really hungry. I was supposed to eat at the banquet, but I ended up not having a single bite.”Atlas warmly said, "I wouldn't have let you touch the food there. I asked Sandy to make plenty of delicious food for you." It was as if he had read my mind."Really?" I asked in surprise. Unable to resist the temptation, I eagerly opened the door and got out, hurrying to assist Kenny inside.By now, the bloodstains on his back had dried up.When we entered the hall, we found t
I hadn't come down from the excitement of such a big event, so there was no way I could fall asleep.The scenes that had just happened in the Pierce mansion played out in my mind like a movie.I didn't know if those keys were what we had been looking for.I really couldn't wait to find out, but that would have to wait until morning.While I was thinking about that, my phone rang. It was Trinity.I hesitated for a moment. Just thinking of her made me automatically think of the Avila family.I unlocked my phone. "Hey, Trinity.""Are you in Nocturnia, Chloe?" she asked."Yeah. I've been here for a few days. I received sudden news that Grandpa was critically ill, so I rushed here without saying goodbye to you.""How's the situation? Is everything okay?" she asked."It’s fine. It was a false alarm," I complained.As I said that, even I was surprised. A thought flashed through my mind. Who was the mastermind behind this false alarm?Was it Grandpa or Celine? Why did I suddenly fe
Four months later, at a hospital in Foswood.After being wheeled out of the delivery room, I saw my entire family waiting for me outside.My grandmother, supported by Hana, walked up to me, trembling. "Chlo, my Chlo, you've been through so much!"Beside my grandmother was a girl who looked a lot like me, standing silently beside my grandmother. She was the one who had been crafted to be my counterfeit.What was even more dramatic was that the DNA test results had revealed that she was actually my parents' daughter. When we found out, we cried tears of joy. It was truly heaven-sent. From then on, I gained another sister, who was like a twin to me.Feeling a little weak, I looked at her kind smile and said, "Grandma! It's two boys!""We all saw them. They’re very handsome and healthy! I can finally rest assured. My daughter has a life partner now," Ivanna said as she eagerly squeezed by my side.Everyone burst into laughter. Jared reached out his long arm and pulled her back. "Com
I closed my eyes, trying hard to recall my dreams. Usually, this scenario always appeared in my dreams, but now I couldn't remember any details.Atlas looked at me indulgently. "Take your time, don't rush. Your mom will help us."I took a deep breath, clearing all the distractions from my mind. I seemed to see my mom holding my hand, eagerly walking into the woods, looking around and at the treetops. As we ventured deeper into the woods, I asked, "Where are you taking me, Mom? The woods are so dark. I'm scared! Don't go in, Mom. There might be wild animals!""Don't be afraid. I'm here with you. We need to find the tallest tree.""Why do we need to find the tallest tree?""So you can remember!""But I can't walk anymore. I'm scared!""Go sit on that rock for a while. I'll come to you.""A rock," I murmured as I suddenly opened my eyes.I quickly stood up, searching for a place with rocks."Search where there are rocks," Atlas instructed the others.Everyone dispersed quickly,
I gazed at Atlas's anxious face, his features wavering before my eyes. "Chlo... tell me what's wrong," he said, concern etched on his handsome face. I glanced around the room, noticing all our loved ones present, their faces filled with worry, both inside and outside the door.Closing my eyes, I nestled into Atlas's embrace. I felt exhausted like never before. With a soft murmur, I confessed, "I'm... I'm okay." My head throbbed fiercely with an unbearable sensation."I'm fine," I repeated before settling back into his arms, still as a statue. In my ears, the echoes of my dream lingered.A team of medical staff rushed in. Atlas patted me gently. "Let the doctors check you out, sweetheart. You've been out for 48 hours! Let them examine you, okay?"He eased me onto the bed. After the doctors finished their examination, they briefed Atlas on the results.I drifted back to sleep, this time for real, unaware of anything.When I woke up again, the room was bright. Blinking, I look
Ernest was truly shaken by the sight before him, visibly trembling in fear."Everyone in the car, get out! You have one minute." After Atlas's words, several red dots appeared on the foreheads of the people inside the car.The driver immediately wet himself in fear, raising his hands. "N-No... please!..."As his hand reached for the door handle to exit the car, Kenzie shot him dead. I screamed in terror, but at the same time, the man in the passenger seat slumped over, also dead.However, that shot came from a sniper outside.The others were dumbfounded. The two men beside me immediately grabbed their heads and crouched down."Get out of the car!" Kenzie shouted loudly.The two men beside me acted as if they had been granted clemency, reaching to open the car door and shouting, "Don't shoot!" Then, they rolled out of the car, clutching their heads."Kenzie... release Chloe... save me!" Ernest wailed, his appearance filled with disdain.Kenzie's voice trembled. "Ernest...""
"I really haven't seen anything. What are you talking about? My dad never told me about this!" I gritted my teeth, holding onto this secret, but it was clear they already knew about the existence of the survey maps."If you want your children to live, you better tell me the truth. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to show you no mercy. Let me tell you the truth, I didn't plan on leaving alive!" Kenzie's admission was chilling."Then if I die, bitch, I'll take you down with me. Oh... no, scratch that. It'll be you and your children. Haha… So, tell me!" She hit me with the back of the gun."Kenzie, you know how Atlas feels about me. He wouldn't let me be harmed. Do you really think he'd tell me too much? About those maps you mentioned, not only do I not know, but I haven't even seen them. “Even if they exist, my father would only tell him..." I appealed to Atlas's protective feelings toward me, a reasonable plea since most men would be protective of their loved ones, especially Atlas.Ju
I adjusted my breathing and asked, "What do you want to know?"Although I asked this, my mind raced. "He's been back for some time now and has said too much... You've got to tell me, what exactly do you want to know?""Louis and Rory had a secret between them. What was it?" Kenzie said, her voice dripping with malice."They…" I deliberately gasped loudly, buying myself some time. I knew Atlas would come to rescue me. My priority was to protect my children."They... two of them had a... sizable sum of money..." Since that money was already in our hands, I thought it would be futile even if they knew.Kenzie completely released her grip and then shoved my head forward abruptly. My body plunged forward, but quick reflexes saved me as I grabbed onto the front seat, steadying myself."What money? How much?" Kenzie seemed very interested."The amount is significant, but I don't know exactly." I played coy with her. After all, everyone was interested in money matters.Of course, Kenzi
The screech of brakes pierced the air, and a gray car halted right in front of me. Instinctively, I stepped back, unable to discern the make of the car before two individuals leaped out and swiftly pulled me into the vehicle. Simultaneously, a panicked cry sounded from behind me, "Chlo…"Before I could even assess the situation inside the car, it bolted forward."What do you want? Who are you people?" I struggled and shouted.Suddenly, a hand reached out from behind, gripping my neck tightly, and a chilling voice whispered, "Enough."With just those words, I instantly recognized the person. The voice was all too familiar.I steadied my nerves and spoke with feigned calmness, "Kenzie, you've got some nerve, attacking me in broad daylight. It seems like you're really desperate. What? Your plan failed, didn't it?"My neck was forcefully pulled backward. The sudden suffocation drove me to claw at the arm, choking me instinctively."Don't move! If you don't want to die so soon, beh
Atlas's face darkened as he uttered a curt "Hmm" and hung up the phone.Turning to Tristan, he said, "Escort Mrs. Chloe back to the office."He looked at me and softened his tone, "You go back to the office first, I'll come to pick you up later." Atlas expressed a hint of apology."Okay." I nodded.Tristan escorted me to my office and gave me some instructions before leaving.Then, my phone rang. It was a call from Trinity. I quickly answered, "Chlo, I'm about to head to the airport, I’m going to Yare. Do you have any messages for the old lady?"Her sudden question caught me off guard. I really didn't know what message to convey. After all, the old lady of the Avila family to me was just an impression from a photo."No. Let's talk after everything's settled. I'll arrange a time to visit her," I said lightly.Although the travel ban for me had been lifted with the situation becoming clearer, Yare was in turmoil, and I was pregnant. I didn't want to make any promises to the old l
Atticus carefully watched the agitated Mia as he sat in the wheelchair. He pulled out a document and held it out for the media to see."ATL Empire invested 10 billion in Echelon Group a month ago, intending to work together to build a new real estate development and construction field in Zydan. I regret to inform you that you’re no longer a significant shareholder in Echelon, Miss Mia."Even I was shocked by that investment certificate. I looked at Atlas, who seemed confident."To be more accurate, Echelon Group had already signed this agreement before I went to Celestis Island. The real largest shareholder of Echelon Group is ATL Empire. I’m just a partner."As you planned, the shares had long been diluted, but unfortunately, not by you, but by ATL Empire. But I still want to thank you for helping me remove the scum from Echelon Group and purifying Echelon’s ranks."Mia suddenly stood up and banged her fist on the table. She shouted, "Impossible! Atticus, are you playing me?""Y